When do I tell my child he's adopted?

When do I tell my child he's adopted?

Jennifer Perry (Executive Director, Children's Action Network) gives expert video advice on: How long does it take for my adopted child and I to become attached?; When do I tell my child he's adopted?; How should I answer my child's questions about adoption? and more...

There are two schools of thought on when you should tell your child that he or she is adopted. One says that you should tell your child about the adoption as soon as he or she is verbal and able to comprehend what you are telling them. The other school of thought says you should wait until the child starts inquiring his or herself about their situation, and that is the point at which you should start talking about adoption. It is universally agreed, however, that the best place for the child to learn that he or she is adopted is from the adoptive parents. It's part of the process of building trust and openness between the adopted child and their parents.